Sofa-bed mechanism having continuousaction linkage system



May 6, 1958 L. PQKQRNY, JR

SOFA-BED MECHANISM HAVING CONTINUOUS-ACTION LINKAGE SYSTEM Filed Oct. 31, 1956 8 Sheets-Sheet l 4 U TH P May 6, 1958 L. PoKoRNY, JR

SOFA-BED MECHANISM HAVING CONTINUOUS-ACTION LINKAGE SYSTEM 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 51, 1956 L. PKRNY, JR

vMay e, 195s SOFA-BED MECHANISM HAVING CONTINUOUS-'ACTION LINKAGE SYSTEM Filed oct. 31, 1956 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 IN V EN TOR:

Lou/s POKOAWY JR /VEY 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 May 6, 1958 L. PoKoRNY, .JR

SOFA-BED MECHANISM-HAVlNG CONTNUOUS-ACTION LINKAGE SYSTEM Filed oct. s1. 195e l.. POKRNY, JR

May 6, 1958 som-BED MECHANISM HAVING coNTxNuQu'sfAcT'oN LINKAGE SYSTEM Filed oet. 31,1956

8 Sheecs--Sheei'I 5 nog o3 u m2 IN V EN TOR:

Lou/s PaKoR/f/ JR.

may s, 195s L.. PoKoRNY, JR

soFAED MECHANISM HAVING CONTINUOUS-ACTION LINKAGE SYSTEM 'Filed oct. 51. 1956 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 IN VEN TOR: o0/s `PoKo1?/Vy, JR.

May 6, 1958 L. PoKoRNY, .JR 2,832,965

SOFABED MECHANISM HAVING CONTINUOUSQACTION LINKAGE SYSTEM Filed Oct. 31, 1.956 l 8 Sheets-Sheet '7 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 May 6, 1958 L. PoKoRNY, JR

SOFA-BED MECHANISM HAVING CONTINUOUS-ACTION LINKAGE SYSTEM Filed Oct. 3l, 1956 2,832,955 Patented vMay 6, 1958 United States SOFA-BED MECHANISM HAVING CONTINUOUS- ACTION LINKAGE SYSTEM Loui'slokomy, Jr., Ronkonkoma, N. Y., assignor of ouethud to Louis Pokorny, Ronkonkoma, and one-third to John M. Pokorny, Bellport, N. Y.

Applieanon october 31, 1956, serialNo. 619,473

1a claims. (cbs-13) This inventionrelates generally to sofabeds, and has particular reference to an adjustable structure which in a closed position denes a sofa and may be adjusted into an open position to form a bed.

rlhe invention is specifically concerned with improvements in foldable sofa-bed frames or mechanisms of the type in which a plurality of articulated sections are pivotedto one another in succession and comprise '(in the folded sofa condition) a rear section, a lower horizontal section, a front vertical section, and an upper horizontal section, these sections being foldable and unfoldable between tliesofa position and an extended bed position in which'the sections lie in horizontal alignment. -A mattress is associated with the frame in such a way that it lies at 'on the extended frame when the device -is opened to define a bed, and doubles upon itself when the frame is folded to define a sofa.

It is a general object of the invention to provide a mechanism of thisl kind with an improved vcontinuousaction linkage system whereby the parts are constrained always to lfold vand unfold in accordance with a continuous predetermined ypattern of movement. This achievesv numerous advantages among Awhich are an elimination :of sliding 'parts such as pin-slot engagements which limpose friction load 4and frequently cause jamming and inconvenience, and an avoidance ofthe undesirable necessity for 'the operator himself to bring parts into or out ,of some vspecial relationship as a prerequisite to further movements of the frame in the contemplated proper manner.

A more particular object of the invention is to form and arrange the elements of the linkage system, and the various pivot vaxes involved, in such away that fthe `force applied bythe operator kfis automatically effective tomax imnm .advantage fupon :successive subordinate groups :of parts of :the mechanism as it is opened or closed. :Inthis way ,the applied force is desirably spreadfout, as a .result of whichtless-force is needed :than is-ordinarily -required for manipulating bed frames of this type, and better mechanical .advantages vare achieved. The automatic-concentration of force and action to successive stages of the movement is effective also to enhance the .stability of the mechanism during its adjustments, and is beneficial -in facilitating the movement of the folded mechanism with respect to the sofa -frame during the linitial withdrawal of the parts from, and the final restoration to, the fully folded sofa position. During ythis critical period there is a vnecessity for `avoiding undesired contact with the sofa back and the `front board, each or both of which maybe of upholstered character in accordance withlcurrent styles. The improved mechanism permits the folded parts fto move safely past theseupholstere'd regions without requiring any special locking means to hold theifratne parts together, or any special means for swinging orfotherwise moving aside'either the sofa-back orthefront board.

A general objective of the invention =is to provide yau improved foldable sofa-'bed in which .the mechanismis easier to open and close, more readily adjustable with a minimum of applied force, less frictional and hence quieter, smoother, `and longer wearing, and more reliable in operation. The special linkage system which is a characterizing feature of the invention consists, in brief, ofz'a first lever fulcrumed to the lower horizontalsection, a second lever fulcrumed to the front vertical section, a rear `link extending between the vrearsection and one arm ofthe :first lever, the other arm of the first lever being pivoted'to one arm of the secondlever, and `a front 'link extending between the other Larm, of the second lever and the upper horizontal section. By. a linkage lsystem of this-kind, with the rvarious pivot axes arranged in'isuch a way that critical alignments automatically occur in a predetermined fashion in thefextended--andin-the folded conditions ofthe mechanism, it is possible to achieve a variety of advantages having far-.reaching effects' in cornmercial practice. For example, by meansof this invention it vis a practical possibility, yifzdesired., 'to-employ a bigger mattress, to fold it more readily, and 'to collapse the mechanism expeditiously into -afoldedfstate of less heightor lof reduced depth or both. The-easeof folding the mattress makes it :possible to employ the mattress l sidewise, i. e., Ywith its long axis parallel to lthat-ofthe sofa, Awhereby the invention is Vreadily applicable'to the more compact sofa-beds of relatively llong character, in whichl the 'bedfaxis Aextends lengthwise y'of -the sofa instead of atfright angles to it.

:Other 'features ofthe invention reside in'theprovision of a special rear leg, and-meansfor automaticallyfmoving it, whereby the structure isstabilized:insan'unusually'effestive vmanner during the #adjustment procedures; :inthe provision of :a lspecial means `for :depressing :the Vupper or movable part of the front boardfo'f the-:sofatwhen the mechanism is extended to define the bedpandinethe provision of an yimproved spring support,y especially -applicable when the invention is embodied in fthe vlongert-ype of sofa, and a means vfor automatically depressing the spring 4support when lthe mechanism is .adjusted tQ the :sofa condition.

rFliese objects and advantages, and; .such otherobjects and 'advantagesr as may vhereinafter appear or hetpointed out, .can be practically achieved :inithe :several embodiments lof the invention lexemplitiediin #the .accompanying drawings, lin which- Fig. l1 Vis an :endl view yof va device constructed fin accordance with the present invention, the sofa-bed body,

the :cushions of the sofa, andthe mattress 'of lthe bed, being shown 4in d'Ot-and-dash lines, itheymechanism ybeing in tits fully foldedposition;

Fig. 2 Lkis .a fragmentary enlarged view Ilof part ofthe mechanism in its Afully folded condition;

f Fig. "3 'is ia view similar -to Fig. 1, showingwthe mecha-A nism in an initial stage of its unfoldings-movement;v

'Figs..4 and S5 yare views :similar to Figs. landi, but onazreduced scale, showing the mechanism :in rsuccessive stages of opening, the bed beingfully .extendedfin Fig. 5;

`Fig. 6is a fragmentary top vview of Fig...5;

Pig. 7 :is a view 'similar lto Fig. 1 showinga-modifiedv construction in which the 'features fof y'the invention Iare embodied .in a `sofa-.bed `device whose sleeping surface has @zt-longitudinal axis parallel to the l.long 'axis vof the sofa; f v.

Fig. `8 fis a fragmentary :view-'of part fof the ,mechanism shown .1in :Fig `7,f-with parts omitted to.:reveal structure that would otherwise be hidden;

Figs. 9, V10 and "1l Aare views smilartoFig. 7 showing the. mechanism in successive stages of opening, Fig. -1f1 being 'a view in which the mechanism fis fin its lfully ex'-I tendedposition; 'andr f Fig.` 1.2, is a lfragmentary top viewof Fig. :11.-1 I

- asofaibody within which ithefmechanism `'isfmounted includes the usual upholstered back 20, sides 21, remov dash lines).

or carried along with the mechanism when it is unfolded. In many cases, the front board and the sides of the sofa body are upholstered. Y j t The mechanism consists essentially of four sections, pivoted to one another in series. When the device is fully opened (Figs. 5 and 6) the mattress supportis made up of these four sections -arranged in substantially Y horizontal alignment.

In the closed or folded position of the device, these four sections assume a compacted relationship; and for facility in terminology the sections will be referred to herein by terms based upon their respective vdispositions in the closed condition. Thus, section 30, which is nearest the back of the sofa body will be referred to as the rear section; section 40, which is substantially horizontal, will be'referred to as the lower horizontal sec- .tion; section 50, which is at the front of the sofa body,

.will be `referred to as the front vertical section; and` section 60 will be termed the upper horizontal section.

In the embodiment ofthe invention depicted in Figs. 1-6, the rear section `30 is angular, having an arm '35 pivotally mountedtat 36 on a fixed supporting bar 37 secured to the sofa body 20.` The vlower end of the rear section 30 is pivoted at 38 to the rear end of the lower horizontal section 40. The forward end of section 40 is pivoted, -at 41, to the lower end of the front vertical section 50;and the upper end of the section 50 is pivoted, at 51, to the front end of the upper horizontal section 60.

The parts 30, 40, 50 and 60 have'been spoken of as sections rather than mere members because each section hascompanion parts or members at the respective rightand left ends ofthe sofa body. The particular sections 30,1` 40, 50 and 60 shown in the present drawings, represent only the companion parts at the near end of the sofa body. The corresponding parts of the sections at the opposite end `ofthetsofa have been omitted from the drawings, those shown.

The elements forming the various sections are preferably angle/irons, andare provided with well-known anges or other suitable stop means to limit unfolding movement to the alignedv relationship. Extending trans versely'across the ,device at suitable intervalsare crossbars, such as thoseshownvat 31 vand 32, to'hold the parts of each=section together as a structural unit. Similar crossbars, such as those designated 33 and 34, unite other parts of the mechanism transversely across the device as a whole. f

Alsoextending transversely is a bed spring 70 (Fig. 6) adapted to support a-rnattress`80 (shown in dot-and- The spring may be' supported in any well known manner fbetween the opposite members of the sections of the mechanism.l The'mattress80 is retained in folded condition' within the mechanism when the device isin the sofa position." t F kIn the embodiment illustrated'in Figs.Y l`-6, the longitudinal axisof the mattress is at right angles to the longitudinal axis of 'the-sofa. Mattresses currently yin common use are usually `72"or 174 kinches long, .and it is this length which extends between the' mattress ends designated 81 "and 82 `in Fig. 5. The width of` the mattress isusually between 54' and 60 inches, and in the device shown in Figs.-l-6 the? arms 21 of the sofafare spaced apart by an amount just slightly greater than this.' The initial'part of the-unfolding Amovement of; the mechanism (compare Figs. 1 and 3)"involves a swinging movement of the rear section'30fabout the txed pivot 36. The foldedbundle of mechanism follows the arcuate movement of the pivot 38 at therear, and is governed at the front bythe` simultaneous swing of the elevator' arm or lever A42 about a fixed pivot 46. This pivo'tis at one end cfa-fixed bracket 43 securedfto the 4sofa frame. Extendingfrom .therearend 49 of Lthe bracket 43-*forsince they are mere counterparts ofl j g spaans 'wardly to a pivoted connection with the elevator arm 42 at 48 is a coiled tension spring, vor pair of springs, 47.

This spring is in a stressed condition when the parts are i in the relationships of Figs. 1 and 5, and it is in its least stressed condition when the parts are just about to assume the relationship of Fig. 4. In this way 'the spring facilitates both the unfolding and the folding manipulations.

`The upper or free end of the elevator arm may be articulated' to the mechanism at any of several selected points. In the construction shown a pivot connection is established "at 91 between the free end of the elevator arm 42 and a link 90 whose function and mode of operation will be presently described. f

The special linkage system of the invention, by means of whi-ch the movements of the various sections are automatically controlled, constraining the parts always to the same predetermined pattern of movement, consists essentially of -a first lever 100, a second lever 101, the rear link 90, and a front link 102. Each of the levers 100 and 101 is a lever of the first class, that is, its fulcrum is at a midportion of the lever, as best indicated in Figs. 4 and 5. The lever 100 is fulcrumed at 103 to the lower horizontal section 40, near the pivot 41 between this section and the adjacent front vertical section 50. The lever 101 is fulcrumed at 104 to the front vertical section 50. The rear arm of the lever 101 is pivotally connected at 105 to the adjacent arm of the lever 100. The other arm of the lever 100 is pivoted at 106 to the forward end of the link 90. The rear end of this link is pivoted at 107 to the rear section 30. The forward arm of the lever 101 is pivoted at 108 to the rear end of the front link 102, and the forward end of the latter is pivotally connected at 109 to the upper horizontal section 60 in the region adjacent to the pivot 51 between f (extending rearwardly and lying closely adjacent and parallel to the lower horizontal section 40) and the vertical operative position shown in Fig. 5. The movements of this leg are controlled by an actuating link 54 pivoted at one end 55 to the first lever 100 and at the opposite end 56 to the leg 53.

Pivoted to the upper horizontal section 60 at a point 61 is a front leg 62 'adapted to swing between the collapsed inoperative position of Figs. l-3 (lying adjacent and parallel to the section and the operative bed supporting position of Fig. 5. The movements of the leg 62 are controlled by an yactuating link 63 extending from the front link 102 of the special linkage system. More particularly, one end of the link 63 is pivoted at 64 to the link 102, while the other end is pivoted at 65 to the leg 62. v f

The movable front board 25 is pivoted at a point 71 near its upper edge to an actuating link 72 vextending from the link Y63 and pivoted to the latterY at 73. Adjacent toits loweredge the board 25 is pivoted at 74 to a leg stump 75 that is pivotally anchored at 76 to the front vertical section 50 at a point adjacent to the pivot 51. The leg stump 75 is pivoted at 77 to an actuating link 78 whose opposite end is pivoted at 79 to the front link t 102 of the linkage system.

In adjusting the parts from the sofa position to the extended bed position, the operator lifts upwardly on the movable front board 25. Because of the assistance afforded by the spring 47, the parts are rapidly and with little effort brought to and through the'position of Fig. 3. It will be observed that the bundle of links and elements is still in a relatively compact relationship, as a result of which the bundle freely clears the lower part of the upholstered back of the sofa, and the upper edge of the xed front board 24. As an advancing pull is 'exerted bythe user, the sections 30 and 40 gradually come into horizontal alignment as shown inl-Fig. 4. Duringy this time the rear link 90 moves krearwardly relative vto the section l40, -thus pulling the rst lever 100 in a Counterclockwise direction. This has brought about a rapid descent of the rear leg 53 which encounters the oor and aiords ydesirable support to prevent the weight of *he mechanism and bedding from tilting the entire device forwardly. At the same time, the second lever 101 has been movedin a counter-clockwise direction relative -to the sec-tion Y'50 to which it is fulcrumed. This imparts a pushing force upon the front link 102 whereby the upper section 60 has been advanced to the vertical position shown in Fig. 4. At the same time, the front leg '62 has been swung out into readiness for engagement'with vthe oor, Aand the movable front board 25 has been moved downwardly yaway from the bed sections. The final adjustment Aofthe parts from the relationship of Fig. 4 to that of Figs. 5 and 6- is relatively simple, since the sections 30 and 40 are already in alignment, and the rear leg 53 is already operative to'aiord support.

During `the closing of the device, the procedure is reversed. With relatively Alittle eiort the user lifts up upon the free end yof the section l60, and the parts readily adjust themselves'into the relationship of Fig. 4. During this time, the force exerted by the user is obviously effective upon a subordinate bundle of Aelements and links, the sections 40 and-30 remaining in horizontal alignment, and-the leg 53 remaining effective, until the device starts l.to close beyond the position of Fig. 4. During 'the adjustmentof the parts from the position of Fig. 4 to that of Fig. 3, the mattress is folded upon itself and the bundle of sections and other parts is automatically brought into the compact relationship, whereby a continued rearward push will move the compacted bundle over the front board 24 and past the upholstery at the back, into the fully compacted sofa position` of Fig. l.

During `these adjustments of the parts, both in the unfolding and the folding process, the movements automatically 'follow a predetermined pattern over which the operator has no control. Therefore, for proper functioning, it is not incumbent upon the user to bring any of theY parts into or ou-'t of any special relationship or latehed for interenga'ged condition, as a prerequisite to further folding -or unfolding in proper contemplated man-ner. Moreover, lthere is an automatic concentration of the applied force to successive subordinate groups of elements, whereby the effort called for in opening and closing .the device is spread 'out andis thus minimized. As fa result, With devices conforming in size to existing sofa-beds, the etort required in using the present device is :less than kthat 'ordinarily called for. In the alternative, by the exertion of the same effort, a mechanism of larger dimensions or :(of-m'ore importance) a mechanism employing a mattress of vlarger dimensions, or with heavier bedding, can' be adjusted with only the usual amount of force.

These advantages `are at`tr-ibutable,'in part, to the arrangement yand cooperation of the special linkage system hereinbe'fore described, and in part to the special formation and arrangement of the levers and links '0f this jsystem, especially fthe location Vand 'the relationships 'of the pivot axes.` These special relationships are as follows:

(First) n the folded condition of the mechanism (see Figs. 1 3) there is an alignment of (a) the pivot 10S connecting fthelirst and second levers 100, 101, (b) the fulcrum'ltl?, securing the -rst "lever 100 to the lower horizontalsection 40,':andl1(c`) the fulcrum 104 .connecting the lsecond lever -101 to tthevfront vertical section :50. The reason `this is important is .that .during the earlier stages of the movement of the rear link 90 relative to the aasaees l sectionl 40,` fthev :lever moves` through Y a relatively large `angular distance while 'the lever 101 is ,rocked through 'a relatively "small `angular distance. This 'means that the sections 30 and 40 can be brought lrapidly into the aligned relation of'Fig. 4 without materially alfecting therelatively compacted vrelation ,of the l'sections '50 vand 60, this relationship being maintained (to asubstantial extent) until the parts are moved further beyondth'e relationship of Fig. 4. v

Also, the angular movement of the actuatingLlink 54 (controlling the vrear leg 53') isrelatively small eventhough the'iirstlever 19) moves `through a relatively large angle. As a' result, theleg 53 remains vin the withdrawn relationship Ashown in Figs; l-'3 yuntil after the 'bundle of elements has jumped over the fixed front'board 24; and as soon as this stage 'of movement has been'reachedthe leg 53come's downy into the ,position of Fig. 4 Iwith relatively great rapidity, to Aaiford the 'support that'is needed atthattime.

(Second) In theV closed condition, there isian alignment of l(l) the pivot 108v connecting the lever 101 to the front link 102, (2) the fulcrum 104 connecting the'lever `101 to the 'front vertical section50, and ('37)V the pivot 109 connecting the front link 102 to the upper horizontal section 60. The importance lof this .lies inthe fact that the initial rangular movements of the lever .101 bring about very little, if any, advancement of the front link T102. Since it 'is `this advancement that brings about an adjustment vof the sections 50 and. 60 'from the' perpendicular relationship of Fig. 3 tothe aligned relationship of Fig. 5, the 4alignment vof the partsl 50 and 60 is etlectively,.post-v poned until after the mechanism passes through the stage of vFig'. l4. j

(Third) In 'the' extended condition of the mechanism there is art alignment'of (l) the 'pivot '108 connecting the lever 101 to the front link "102, .(II) the pivot 51 connecting the front lvertical section S0 `to the upperhorizon.- tal section 60, and (III) the VpivotV 109 connecting rthev front'linkI 102 to thel section 60. The limportance Vof this lies in VVthe fact that during the initial stage of ,the closing operation a large `angular movement of the section 60 takes place before thefront link 1`0`2 .becomes etective jto rotate 'the Ilever 1'01. As a result of this the parts are` readily movedinto the partially closed position ofFig. 4 without causing any'action to take place among the ele! ments aiecting sections 40 andr30. Y

(Fourth) During'the extended 'relationship of the parts ofthemechanism, there'is an alignment of (A) 1the pivot connecting the ylevers .100, 101, (B) Vthe pivot 41 connecting the lower Vhorizontal section 40 to the front vertical section 50, and (C) the fulcrum 104 connecting the lever` 101 to the section 50. This alignment is im,- portant 'since it allows a large angular movement of the front vertical'section 50 to takeplace before the rear arm. ofthe Vlever 101 becomes materially .elective inimparting a clockwise push upon the lever 100. For this reason the sections 50 and 60 may rbe readily adjusted beyond the position of Fig. 4 and toward the position of Fig. 3 withf out materially disturbing the alignment between Vthe sece tions 30 and40, i. e., the linaladjustment of the sections` 30 and'40 into the perpendicular relationship of Fig. fis postponed toward the'later part of the stage vof movement from Fig. 4 .to Fig. 3.

These ,advantages,.and others as Well, can be achievedr in a device in which the mattress .is laidthe other way,.i.'e., in which the longitudinal axis of the mattress lis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sofa. Severalproblemsare imposed upon the designer in endeavoring to-do this. .For example, it is znot .suicient merely to employ 'the 'con-j ventional mechanism and to lay the mattress at right' angles, since this would leave a highly undesirable igapy between yone side edge of the mattress andV the backof:

the'so'fa when lthe device. is vinthe bed=condition. .Also, the folding of a mattress along a lengthwise -line of fold? imposes a far greater load upon the user than the conventhe present improved linkage system aords a means to overcome these difficulties, and to achieve additional benefits. One way of accomplishing these desirable'results is depicted in Figs. 7-12. n

Referring for `the moment to Fig. 11, it should be noted that the distance between vthe mattress ends 181 and 182 is the narrower dimension, or width, of .the mattress 180. In termsV ofr mattress sizes currently in common use, this would be in therange of 54 to 60 inches.` The provision of amechanism of the character described, having a correspondingly` shortened length whenin its extended condition, is 'brought about, in part, byrmaterially shortening the length of the rear section. Thishas numerous advantages, especially in connection with the styling of the upholsteryand other external features of the sofa; but

it also imposes special problems arising from the fact that the swingingmovements of the` rear section are affected by its shortened length. The basic sofa-bed mechanism,

and the special linkage system, are the sameas in Figs.`

1-6, but modiiedin several respects to overcome these diliculties. y

'I'he rear section 130 is in this casepivoted at its upper end 136 to a fixed bracket 137 secured to .the sofa body in a position lying in its entirety below the level of the sofa seat. This accords the designer more freedom in styling the `sofa back 120 and the sides 121 of the sofa. At its lower end, `the section 130 is angled rearwardly and is pivotally connected at 138 to the lower horizontal section 140. lnthe folded position of the mechanism (Fig. 7) the rear section 130 slants rearwardly downward, and the pivot 138 preferably lies an appreciable distance to the front of the rear end of the section 140. A pivot 141 connects the front end of the section 140 to the front vertical section 150, and this section is in turn pivoted at 151 to the upper vertical section 160.

An elevator arm 142 is pivoted at' 146 to a xed bracket 143; and a spring or springs 147 extend between the pivot point 148 onthe arm 142 to the rear lixed anchorage 149. Theupper end of the elevator arm 142 is pivoted at 191 to the vrear link 190.0f the special linkage system;

although, as pointed out in connection with Figs. 1-6, the elevator arm maybe connected to other parts of the mechanism, e. g., the lower horizontal section 140, if desired. l

The vsofa body of Figs. 7-12 is provided with a fixed lower front board 124 andan upper movable front board 125. In `this case, however, the board 12S is rigidly secured to the front vertical section 150, at a sucent distance from the latter to make it unnecessary for special mechanism to be provided in order `to lower the part 12S from `the mattress-supporting plane when the device is used as a bed. Itis to be observed, also, that the legs 123 of the sofa body are longer than those of Figs. leo, which is a styling advantage because it helps to conceal the circumstance that a folding mechanism is housed withinA the sofa body.

The linkage system comprises the rear link 190, the rst lever 200, the second lever 201, and the front link 202. The lever 200 is fulcrumed at 203 to the lower horizontal section 140,'and ,the lever 201 is fulcrumed at 204 to the front vertical section `150. The levers are pivoted together at 205. The link 190 is pivoted at 206 to thelever 200, and at its rearend it is pivoted at 207 to the rear section 130.v The front link 202 is pivoted at 208 to the lever 201, and ispivoted at 209` to the upper horizontal section 160.` y l It will bereadily recognized that the levers and links of the linkage system are essentially the same as those hereinbe'fore described inl connection with Figs. 1 6.

The lever 201 is shaped somewhat dilerently, but functions the same as the lever 101. The same is true with respect to the lever 200, which functions the same as the lever 100 but differs in the fact that there is no articulation to a leg-actuating linka The rear leg is not as important in this construction as in that of Figs. 1 6, because the tendency toward nnbalance of the device is not as great, during the opening lmovements ofthe mechanism. Also, by lengthening the legs 123 of the sofa body, the provision of a rear leg for the mechanism requires a mounting and actuation of such a leg in a manner different from that shown in Figs. l6. The leg V153 is in this case pivoted near the rear end of the section 160. In the construction` shown, the pivot point is at 209, which is the point at which the front link 202 connects to the section 160. It is not essential that n these two pivots be in coincidence, however. The actuation of the leg 153 from a position lying alongside the section V (see Figs. 7-9) to the operative position of Fig. 11 is brought about by `a fan-like cluster of short links 110, 111, and 112, these links being pivoted together at 113. The link 112 has its free end pivoted at 114 to the leg 153; the link 111 hasy its free end pivoted at 115 to the section 160; and the link 110 has its free end pivoted at 116 to an actuating link 163. The latter link is connected at its rear end 164 to the link 202, and at its front end 165 to the front leg 162. This leg is pivoted to the section 160 at 161 and swings from the inoperative position shownin Figs. 7-9 to the operative position shown in Fig. ll.

l Because of the relatively great distance between the sides 121 of the sofa, it is desirable that the bed spring and the sofa seat above it be given added support in the longitudinal direction of the sofa when the parts are in the compacted-.or folded sofa position. To achieve this result, a special retractable sofa seat support 83, preferably a tubularmetallic rod or the like, is arranged in parallel relation to the sofa axis and located below the bed spring 17 0. The support 83 is articulated to the lower horizontal section 140, and a means is provided for mov ing the support 83 between the elevated position shown in Figs. 7-9 to the lowered position shown in Fig. 1l. One way to accomplish this is to provide an arm 84 that carries the support 83 and is pivoted `at 85 to the lower horizontal section 140; and an arm-moving element 86 pivoted at 87 to the arm 84 and extending between the arm 84 and the rear link 190, to which it is pivoted at 88.

'Ihespecial alignments of pivot axes hereinbefore described and discussed in connection with Figs. 1-6 is effective, also, in Figs. 7-12; and the advantages of these several special alignments are `the same as previously pointed out. Briey, it is to be observed that in the folded condition of the mechanism there is an alignment of pivots 205, 203, and 204; also an alignment of pivots 208, 204, and 209. In the extended condition of the mechanism, there is an alignment of pivots 209, 151, and 208; also an alignment of pivots 204, 141, and 205.

In the device shown in Figs. 7-12, there is a further special alignment of pivots which has a beneficial effect upon `theoperation of the mechanism. This alignment exists in the folded condition of the mechanism (Fig. 7) and involves the location of the pivot 207 connecting the rear link 190 to the rear section 130. It is to be observed that the pivot 207 lies between and in alignment with (i) the pivot 138 connecting the sections 130, 140, and (ii) the pivot 206 connecting the rear link 190 to the lever 200. The importance of this relationship of parts lies in the fact that there is very little relative movement between the rear link 190 and the lower horizontalsection 140 during the swinging movement of the rear section 130 from the position of Fig. 7 to that of Fig. 9. Hence the unfolding of the mechanism (brought about by a rearward movement of the link 190 relative to the section 140) is postponed until the bundle of elements has risen forwardly the condition of Fig. .9 tothe Afully folded condition of Fig. 7.

The parts designatedg1`28, 131', and 132 are transverse reinforcements extending between the corresponding parts of the mechanism adjacent 'tothev opposed sides 121 of the sofa.

It will be understood that many of the details herein described and illustrated are susceptible of modification without necessarily involving a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention and illustrated its use, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a sofa-bed mechanism, sections pivoted to one another in succession and comprising a rear section, a lower horizontal section, a front vertical section, and an upper horizontal section, said sections being foldable between a collapsed sofa position in which the lower and upper horizontal sections lie in superposed parallel relation, and an extended bed position in which said sections lie in horizontal alignment; and a linkage system interconnecting said sections to constrain the mechanism to fold and unfold in accordance with a continuous predetermined pattern of movement, said linkage system comprising a first lever fulcrumed to the lower horizontal section, a second lever fulcrumed to the front vertical section, each of said levers being levers of the first class, a rear link extending between the rear section and one arm of the first lever, the other arm of the first lever being pivoted to one arm of the second lever, and a front link extending between the other arm of the second lever and the upper horizontal section.

2. In a sofa-bed mechanismthe elements defined in claim 1, said links and levers and their pivots being so arranged that in the folded condition ofthe mechanism there is an alignment of (a) the pivot connecting the first and second levers, (b) the fulcrum of the first lever, and (c) the fulcrumkof the second lever.

3. In a sofa-bed mechanism, the elements defined in claim 1, said links and levers and their pivots being so arranged that in the folded condition of the mechanism there is an alignment of (l) the pivot connecting the rsecond lever to the front link, (2) the fulcrum of the second lever, and (3) the pivot connecting the front link to the upper horizontal section.

4. In a sofa-bed mechanism, the elements defined in claim l, said links and levers and their pivots being so arranged that in the folded condition of the mechanism there is an alignment of (a) the pivot connecting the first and second levers, (b) the fulcrum of the first lever, and (c) the fulcrum of the second lever; also of (l) the pivot connecting the second lever to the front link, (2) the fulcrum of the second lever, and (3) the pivot connecting the front link to the upper horizontal section.

5. In a sofa-bed mechanism, the elements defined in claim 1, said links and levers and their pivots being so arranged that in the extended condition of the mechanism there is an alignment of (A) the pivot connecting the first and second levers, (B) the pivot connecting the lower horizontal and front vertical sections, and (C) the fulcrum of the second lever. i

6. In a sofa-bed mechanism, the elements defined in i claim 1, said links and levers and their pivots being Vso arranged that in the extended condition of the mechanism there is an alignment of (I) the pivot connecting the second lever to the front link, (II) the pivot connecting the front vertical and upper horizontal sections, and (III) the pivot connecting the front link to the upper horizontal section.

7. In a sofa-bed mechanism, the elements dened in claim l, said links and levers and their pivots being so arranged that in the extended condition of the mechanism there is an alignment of (A) the pivot connecting the first and second levers, (B) the pivot connecting the lower' horizontal 'and fronti vertical sections, and (C9-the fulcrum1 of the L'second lever; also Aof (1) thepivo't connectingthe second lever to Vthe front link, (II) the pivot connecting the front 'vertical 'and upper `hor'izori'talfsections, and (III) the pivot connecting the front link to the upper horizontal section.

8i a sofaibed mechanism, the elements defined jin claim 1, said links and levers and itheirpivots being iso arranged that in the folded condition of the mechanism there is an alignment of (a) the pivot connecting the first and second levers, (b) the fulcrum of the first lever, and (c) the fulcrum of the second lever; also of (l) the pivot connecting the second lever to the front link, (2) the fulcrum of the second lever, and (3) the pivot connecting the front link to the upper horizontal section; and in the extended condition of the mechanism there is an alignment of (A) the pivot connecting the first and second levers, (B) the pivot connecting the lower horizontal and front vertical sections, and (C) the fulcrum of the second lever; also of (I) the pivot connecting the second lever to the front link, (II) the pivot connecting the front vertical and upper horizontal sections, and (III) the pivot connecting the front link to the upper horizontal section.

9. In a sofa-bed mechanism, the combination with the elements defined in claim l, of a rear leg pivoted to the lower horizontal section and adapted to extend rearwardly and lie adjacent ,to said section in the folded condition of the mechanism, and a leg-moving element extending from said first lever to said leg and pivoted at its ends to said lever and leg respectively.

10. In a sofa-bed mechanism, the combination with the elements defined in claim l, of a front leg pivoted to the upper horizontal section and adapted to extend rearwardly relative to said section and lie adjacent to said section in the folded condition of the mechanism, and a leg-moving element extending from said front link to said leg and pivoted at its ends to said front link and leg respectively.

l1. In a sofa-bed mechanism, the combination with the elements defined in claim 1, of a rear leg pivoted to the lower horizontal section and a front leg pivoted to the upper horizontal section, said legs being adapted to lie adjacent to said respective sections in the folded condition of the mechanism, and leg-moving elements controlled by said linkage system for rotating said legs into and out of operative positions at right angles to said sections.

12. In a sofa-bed mechanism, the combination with the elements defined in claim 1, of a rear leg pivoted to the lower horizontal Vsection and a front leg pivoted to the upper horizontal section, said legs being adapted to lie adjacent to said respective sections in the folded condition of the mechanism, and leg-moving elements controlled by said linkage system for rotating said legs into and out of operative positions at right angles to said sections, the leg-moving element for the rear leg being pivoted to and controlled by said first lever, the legmoving element for the front leg being pivoted to and controlled by said front link.

13. In a sofa-bed mechanism, sections pivoted to one another in succession and comprising a rear section, a lower horizontal section, a front vertical section, and an upper horizontal section, said sections being foldable between a collapsed sofa position in which the lower and upper horizontal sections lie in superposed parallel relation, and an extended bed position in which said sections lie in horizontal alignment; and a linkage system interconnecting said sections to constrain the mechanism to fold and unfold in accordance with a continuous predetermined pattern of movement, said linkage system comprising a first lever fulcrumed to the lower horizontal section, a second lever fulcrumed to the front vertical section, each of said levers being levers of the first class, a rear link extending between the rear section and one arm of the first lever, the other arm of the first lever 'being vpivoted'to` one arm of the second lever, and a front link extending between the other arm of the second lever and the upperhorizontal section, said rear link being: pivoted tosaid rear section at a point which in the folded condition ofthe mechanism lies between and in alignment with (i) the pivot connection between the rear and lower horizontal sections, and (ii) the pivotconnecting therear link to the first lever.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

